Imagery is an important literary technique taught in the Literature classroom. Examples of other literary techniques are: personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, irony, etc. A definition of Literary techniques taken from the website www.mrbrainman.com states:
Literary techniques refers to any specific, deliberate constructions or choices of language which an author uses to convey meaning in a particular way. An author’s use of a literary technique usually occurs with a single word or phrase, or a particular group of words or phrases, at one single point in a text. Unlike literary elements, literary techniques are not necessarily present in every text; they represent deliberate, conscious choices by individual authors
According to The Harper Handbook to Literature by Frye, Baker and Perkins, there are two types of imagery: Descriptive and Figurative Imagery. Three literary devices are usually used in Figurative Imagery: Similes, Metaphors and Symbols.
For the purpose of my research, I had to consider 3 aspects or steps in the academic or teaching and learning process of this literary technique.
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The introduction of the concept of imagery which involves several definitions.
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The recognition, identification and location of Imagery in the material or literary text used.
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The production and usage of imagery through assessment and evaluation.
In fact, these steps would be the normal trend for the teaching and learning process of any literary technique. Looking at these steps from another angle, step 1 is mainly receptive, step 2 is partly receptive and partly productive and step 3 is mainly productive.
In Islam, we are told that even the revelations by God were sent through the Prophets gradually or step by step.
Surah Al-Mursalat
Dr. Mohsin :
By the winds (or angels or the Messengers of Allâh) sent forth one after another.
Pickthal :
By the emissary winds, (sent) one after another
Yusuf Ali :
By the (Winds) Sent Forth one after another (to man's profit);
(Quran 77:1)
Surah Al-Furqan
Dr Mohsin:
And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not the Qur'ân revealed to him all at once?" Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. (It was revealed to the Prophet SAW in 23 years.).
Pickthal:
And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur'an not revealed unto him all at once? (It is revealed) thus that We may strengthen thy heart therewith; and We have arranged it in right order.
Yusuf Ali:
Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him all at once?" Thus (is it revealed) that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages gradually.
(Quran 25:32)
After confirming the abundance of Descriptive and Figurative Imagery and the presence of the 3 literary device: Similes, Metaphors and Symbols in the translated versions of the Quran, I set out to use selected Quranic imagery in step 2. I was aware that step 3 would be devising assignments to create opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of new knowledge, thus tapping into their individuality and creativity. Step 1 would be the definitions of Imagery and the 3 literary device, drawing examples to confirm their understanding The students could also be informed of the use of Quranic imagery for the next lesson. This information certainly aroused their interest and curiosity. To do step 1 effectively means to ensure that the concept of imagery is grasped and understood. An introductory or foundation lesson on imagery is planned to pave the way for the use of Quranic imagery in the Literature classroom for the first time ever.
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